Posh squad humbled to meet brave Phoebe Crowson.

On Thursday morning the Peterborough United first team squad were humbled to meet five-year old Phoebe Crowson at the Mick George Training Academy.

Phoebe suffers from a rare genetic skin disease called Epidermolysis Bullosa. Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) is a group of genetic skin conditions which cause the skin to blister and tear at the slightest touch. Tragically, certain types of EB can be fatal in infancy and others are life-limiting. This is because teenage sufferers and young adults are likely to contract an aggressive form of skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma ("SCC"). There is currently no cure for EB.

Living with EB is a life in constant pain. Knocks and bumps result in the skin coming away and is the equivalent to a third degree burn. The skin also blisters with friction and in the heat and the blisters constantly need constant lancing throughout the day and night. On top of that the internal linings blister which causes the oesophagus to narrow meaning frequent surgery to widen the throat and going to the toilet can be extremely painful. EB is currently managed with dressings and wound care and administering pain relief when required.

Phoebe’s mum Zoe Crowson has since founded The Phoebe Research Fund, with the aim to make the possibility of a cure for this devastating disease a reality. The Phoebe Research Fund hopes to help sufferers by funding essential research carried out by Professor John McGrath on the two main types of EB made up of Stem Cell and Gene Therapy.

The Posh players have pledged their support to Phoebe and you can to by visiting www.phoeberesearch.co.uk and donate what you can. You can also follow their progress on Twitter by following @phoeberesearch.